Rechargeable batteries used in toys, small appliances and electronics can contain heavy metals like cadmium, lead, chromium and even mercury. These metals can make their way into the water system and into our bodies if they are disposed of with your regular trash.
“It’s absolutely integral in maintaining our eco-systems and health of humanity not to do that,” says Sarah Cox of the Sierra Club of B.C.
It’s so important, in fact, that B.C.’s Ministry of Environment is looking to bring in legislation within two years that will make battery recycling mandatory. This will add rechargeable batteries to the growing list of recyclables that includes electronic waste, motor oil and beverage containers.
Ministry Spokesman Chris Ord says the program will be industry-driven. “(Battery producers) need to talk to the public and stakeholders, then submit a plan to the ministry, which we review, and statutory decision-makers make a decision on that plan,” Ord said, adding that July 2010 is the target date.
In the meantime, recycling your rechargeable batteries is as easy as dropping by your local London Drugs, who has been collecting them for over 2 years. By the end of 2008, London Drugs will have collected some 12,000 lbs. of batteries, which are shipped to a toxic waste recycler in Trail where they are broken apart and the metals separated and sold.
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